The Happiness Paradox: Navigating the Desire for More

Atlast, I started on a mission to clean my room last Saturday, aiming for that minimalism, when I came across a forgotten box filled with my kids’ old toys. Each one of those toys held a story, a memory of my kids’ faces lighting up with pure joy. I could feel the life in each of those toys at that time. Now it’s been lying here unnoticed.

This unexpected trip down memory lane got me thinking. Isn’t it funny how we’re always chasing after the new, hoping it’ll fill us with joy, only for that excitement to fade away just for a few mins or days?

We seem to be on a never-ending quest for happiness, thinking the next big thing, be it a toy, gadget, a promotion, or even a fancy dinner, will be the answer. Yet, the thrill barely lasts before we’re on to the next big thing of our priority. It’s like we’re programmed to keep moving, never satisfied, always looking for more. This constant hunger for growth and new experiences is deeply rooted in us, pushing us out of our comfort zones, driving progress.

But here’s the twist – in this chase, we often overlook the beauty of now, the simple pleasures that surround us. Ever noticed how just the anticipation of something good can light up your day? Yet, once it happens, we barely give it a second glance. This pattern repeats everywhere, from the things we buy to the relationships we cherish and the successes we achieve.

Maybe it’s time to hit pause and savor the present. To find joy not just in the chase but in the quiet moments, the everyday wonders we take for granted. After all, life’s too short to miss out on the happiness that’s right in front of us, hidden in plain sight. Let’s cherish these moments, for it’s these small joys that make life truly rich and fulfilling.

Just when I was concluding my thought, my grown up son entered the room, saw the box of his old toys in my hand. He grabbed it from me, and kept it aside saying, “Appa, I want to keep all these”. I could see a glimpse of his old memories that he enjoyed with those toys in his eyes, during his early ages.